Leeds United

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BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan believes the Whites' need to carry out work on redeveloping Elland Road has been "enhanced" because of new Squad Cost Ratio rules that will be introduced into the league for next season.

Overall squad costs will have to be limited to 85% of a club's revenue, although teams competing in Europe will have to adhere to Uefa's maximum of 70%.

Squad costs comprise player and manager wages, transfer fees and agents' fees.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Buchan said: "We know the club have been very proactive with this, in terms of we know beforehand with PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules], they were always trying to skirt the line, be tight on it and spend every penny they could, and we know they'll be doing the same with the SCR as well.

"It also enhances the need for the stadium development. Again, that is going to increase your capacity to spend because either is going to increase your football income. And it also shows why they cannot afford to lose a single seat during the build of the West Stand.

"If you suddenly lost all the income of the West Stand now, while you rebuild a side of your stadium, that is going to affect the percentages for the next few years. That is why they are determined not to lose a seat of hospitality or general admission during the next few years when the stadium's being built."

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope added: "We know statistically it is very difficult to stay up for two years, never mind one year.

"It's so important that Leeds continue to evolve and keep that money coming in to make sure SCR is adhered to, which, in the immediate term, doesn't do as many favours as PSR did but down the line it should be OK. That's why you would've heard they voted against it initially, as other clubs did too."

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Leeds United have announced work has started on the redevelopment of the West Stand at Elland Road, describing it as a "momentous moment" in their history.

The new stand, which will be built over the existing structure, will help the Yorkshire club transform their ground into one fit to exist among the highest standards of stadiums in European football.

In the club's statement on Wednesday, they said: "Increasing the capacity of the stadium is vital for the future, with the club having a now strong 32,000 Season Ticket waiting list.

"It will also allow Leeds United, alongside civic partners, to bid to host major international tournaments and showcase events in the future, generating significant cultural and economic value for the Leeds City Region.

" For players, the enhanced stadium environment will provide a stage befitting elite-level football, strengthening the club's ability to compete at the highest level and attract top talent. "

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BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope believes two of the "key" issues for the club to sort this summer is the futures of boss Daniel Farke and captain Ethan Ampadu.

Speaking on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Pope says he thinks Farke has been "essential" to Leeds' progress and the captain is this side's "most important player".

Both are still under contract at Elland Road but only have a year left until their deals expire.

On the issues the club must sort as soon as possible, Pope said: "The two things, Farke himself, the manager who is still under contract, so is Ethan Ampadu, and we know the relationship between the two of them is really important because he's his most important player. Farke's been essential to this progress for Leeds United as well.

"For me, they're the two key things going forward, and it's retaining players."

Pope thinks Leeds may also feel a "difficult juggle" in what players may leave in order to raise funds for transfers.

He added: "I think that if they want to make some room to bring some quality players in, then they'd have to sell some players too. But I think this summer is very much about quality over quantity.

"There are three key areas we've talked about a lot on this podcast, I'm including the goalkeeper in that too. That would be essential, and with the amount of money that we think we're talking, then it doesn't go that far. But Leeds have a core of players that can keep them in the division and have evolved this year as well and will probably be able to do a little bit better, but they just need that sprinkle of quality to go with them, and I think that's where they will be focusing this summer."

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In a new BBC Sport documentary, James Milner reflects on a career that has ended at 40, after making a record 658 Premier League appearances with six different clubs.

Team-mates and coaches reveal the drive behind 24 years at the top.

Watch below or on BBC iPlayer here

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Leeds' Daniel James says it has been "really big" for him to play the minutes he has in what was a "brilliant season" for the Whites.

Despite missing two months with a hamstring problem, the 28-year-old made 19 appearances in the Premier League as Daniel Farke's side finished 14th in their top-flight return.

"It's been a brilliant season," said James before Wales' summer friendlies against Ghana and Romania.

"We achieved our goal of staying in the Premier League.

"We want to become that established Premier League team and next season we just want to kick on and become that.

"The minutes I got this season was really big for me and coming into these games I want to use it as fuel to go into the next season.

"I've been really looking forward to these games and every time I put on the Wales shirt I feel pride. The last couple of seasons I have gone into the summer with a slight injury which has not helped going into pre-season so I just want to be as fit as I can going from the end of the season into pre-season."

James has been joined on Wales duty by 18-year-old Leeds left-back Jayden Lienou, who is yet to make a first-team, but was an unused substitute in two Premier League matches in May.

"Jayden is a player who has been brilliant this season," James added.

"He's been training with us a lot, he's a great lad. I think it will be great for him this week to experience it and I think he thoroughly deserves it.

"He's been great since he got here, great at Leeds, and he's definitely one for the future. He's a top player."

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your memories of James Milner's early years at Leeds and Newcastle and his best moments, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Dave, a Newcastle fan: Best memory was him scoring an absolute worldie against Manchester United under Glenn Roeder. Milner always grafted for the shirt.

Uzay, a Magpies fan: He was a great player and the Premier League shall miss such an important figure.

Robert, a Leeds fan: Top pro, always gave 100% in effort and commitment, both on and off the field. No club could ask for more from a player. Best of luck to him for his future, in whatever he chooses to do next.

Dave, a Whites fan: If Peter Ridsdale had not ruined LUFC in 2002, and eventually sent them into administration in 2004 causing the sale of all the top player, heaven knows how long Milner would have stayed with them with him being a Leeds boy.

New financial rules will regulate Leeds United and their Premier League rivals for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

How the club will have to navigate Squad Cost Ratio while trying to retain their key players attracting more to join is the main discussion for Jonny Buchan and Adam Pope on a new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.

He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.

He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.

Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).

Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.

His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.

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James Milner was just 16 and earning £70 a week as a YTS player when he broke into the first team at Leeds, six months after taking his GCSE exams.

On 10 November 2002, his dad Peter was in the away end at Upton Park when boss Terry Venables sent the youngster on for Jason Wilcox, now director of football at Manchester United, in the final minutes of a 4-3 win against West Ham.

It was a dream come true for Milner, who had grown up supporting the club and wore shirts with the names of Tony Yeboah and Tony Dorigo on the back.

Six weeks after the West Ham game, Milner - aged 16 years and 356 days - became the youngest Premier League goalscorer at that time when he scored in a 2-1 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

It was not enough to get the former Leeds season ticket-holder out of his post-match duties, however.

Back then YTS players were expected to clean the dressing room after first-team games.

"Even when I was playing and scoring goals, after games I was helping the kit man pick dirty shirts off the dressing room floor," Milner told the High Performance podcast, external in 2023.

"I carried on cleaning the under-18 captain's boots. I was playing in the first team but he was still older than me."

It was not long, however, before Milner was sent on loan to the third tier of English football to continue his football education.

By the time he arrived at Swindon Town, Milner had made 18 Premier League appearances, scored a couple of goals and, despite his tender years, was already revered by Leeds fans.

Read more about James Milner here

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Former Leeds United player James Milner has announced his retirement from football, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.

The 40-year-old, who made his English top-flight debut for the Whites as a 16-year-old in 2002, went on to play for six different teams in England's top-flight.

He also went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances in February 2026, beating the record set by Gareth Barry.

Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.

He posted a farewell message on Instagram, external, which read: "After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.

"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.

"To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton - and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town - has been an incredible privilege.

"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.

"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.

"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.

"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.

"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.

"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.

"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."

As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What were his best moments in his early days at Leeds, and what are your favourite memories?

Get in touch with your comments here

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We asked for your views on which players Leeds should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United.

Here are some of your comments:

Karl: I'd like to see Crysencio Summerville back at Leeds. Quality player and has had a good season and scored goals for West Ham. May be able to get him at a good price, which would prove to be a good addition to the squad.

Richard: Why not go for Jarrod Bowen? Incredible player and would strengthen the team straight away. If we want to push on to the next level, he has vast experience and is a proven winner in Europe. So why not!

David: Just one player from relegated sides, Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. That's on the assumption we'd be outbid for Bowen.

Harry: First players that come to mind would be Bashir Humphreys [Burnley], Konstantinos Mavropanos [West Ham] or Ladislav Krejci [Wolves] as back-up in the defence. Also trying to get Summerville to return would be a great signing.

Andy: Kyle Walker of Burnley and Bowen from West Ham.

Dave: I would only be interested in three West Ham players that could improve our squad. Tomas Soucek, Summerville and Bowen. They would give us quality options and depth.

Keith: Zian Flemming [Burnley] has a good record and is very versatile as a nine or 10.

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The most significant moment of the season - good or bad - was...

There's two for me: sticking with Daniel Farke after four straight defeats in November and winning at Old Trafford for the first time in the league since 1981. The latter was the highlight.

Leeds United have been superb against a lot of the top sides this season, but that victory meant so much to the supporters and it was a significant step on the way to survival. It showed, against one of the in-form sides, that Leeds could compete at the right end of the table.

Leeds were unbeaten against Chelsea, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Manchester United, but it was Noah Okafor's brace at the latter which will be remembered as the season-defining moment.

The season has been a success because...

The sole aim was to remain in the Premier League and that was achieved with three fixtures to spare. Manager Daniel Farke was clear that a point per game would normally be enough to survive and Leeds beat that by nine points in a rogue campaign where 40 points were required to do so.

The unsung hero of the season is...

Henry McStay, who is head of medicine at Leeds United. He and the medical staff have performed miracles to ensure players have often returned to action ahead of schedule. With a relatively tight squad, this is essential.

If there is a player or staff member with more to do in future it is...

Goalkeeper Lucas Perri. He has to up his game if he isn't to be sold or sent out on loan. The club's transfer policy was very effective, but he is the one summer signing who has underperformed. He remains under contract for another three years, but an inauspicious start has seen Karl Darlow oust him.

If the club is going to go to the next level, an elite goalkeeper is required. Perri's future looks questionable at Elland Road.

The major club issue or talking point lurking is...

The club aligning itself with manager Farke to agree a way forward together this summer, after achieving the first goal of his tenure which was to return Leeds United to the Premier League and keep them there.

The reason for hope going forward is...

The board and Farke have agreed aims, goals and strategy before. Both parties are ambitious, so there is a confidence they can agree the next phase.

Coupled with that is how well the club is run, which includes expanding the stadium to increase revenues, which will not only help with the incoming Squad Cost Ratio parameters but will evolve Elland Road into a more modern venue, fit for European football again.

Leeds United are lining up a move for 24-year-old Lyon and United States midfielder Tanner Tessmann as part of a busy summer of transfer business. (Football Insider), external

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The curtain has officially come down on the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.

With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?

Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?

Let us know your thoughts here

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Leeds United have confirmed chief business officer Morrie Eisenberg will leave the club in August this year to join Major League Soccer and National Women's Soccer League side San Diego Wave.

Eisenberg joined Leeds in 2023 when the West Yorkshire team were in the Championship.

During Eisenberg's tenure, he campaigned for a stadium redevelopment at Elland Road, which aims to provide economic benefits to Beeston.

Managing Director Robbie Evans said Eisenberg "leaves with the club on an excellent trajectory".

Eisenberg added: "It has been a privilege to work at Leeds United for the past three seasons, in that time we have made so many positive strides towards our ambition of becoming an established Premier League side, with so many terrific memories created together over that time."

Molly Whitmore
Fan writer

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Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

A strong 7/10. To beat Manchester United and get to Wembley in the same season, you cannot ask for much more as a Leeds United fan. The overriding emotion is definitely pride. There were frustrating moments, but it felt like we actually made progress for once instead of just surviving by the skin of our teeth.

Best moment and why?

Despite the result against Chelsea, walking down Wembley Way was genuinely special. For the first time in a long time, there was real hope that maybe we could actually do this. We will not speak about the 90 minutes, but the occasion was brilliant. Usually, when Leeds are at Wembley it feels like life or death with everything on the line, but this time there was less pressure because we were already proud of what the team had achieved by getting there.

Player of the season and why?

Anton Stach or Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The pride those two play with is unbelievable. Calvert-Lewin getting his England call-up was completely deserved, and you could see how much it meant to him. Stach just speaks for himself really. That free-kick against Aston Villa tells you everything you need to know about him. His Instagram stories give him bonus points as well.

Unsung hero and why?

Sean Longstaff. Every time he comes on he settles us down and gives us control in midfield. He keeps things simple, works hard, wins second balls and does the dirty work people do not always notice. I would have liked to see more of him this season because he always seemed to improve us when games were getting scrappy.

Biggest disappointment?

The FA Cup semi-final, without a doubt. It felt like such a wasted opportunity against a Chelsea side that looked vulnerable all season. We never really played with the freedom or aggression that got us there in the first place. As fans, we would probably have accepted losing if we had gone for it properly, but we left Wembley wondering what might have happened if we had just shown a bit more belief.

What needs to change this summer?

We need a bit more depth and experience if we want to stop getting dragged into relegation conversations every year. Another reliable goalscorer would help as well, because there were too many games when we made life hard for ourselves. Most importantly, though, we need to keep building the mentality in the squad because this season finally felt like a step forward instead of standing still. Also, as much as I love our fans, it would be nice if we did not sing We All Love Leeds for the full 90 minutes of every game.

Major hope for next season?

Instead of surviving with a couple of weeks left, it would be nice to avoid being stuck in a relegation fight with five other teams for once. Why can we not do what Sunderland have done and properly establish ourselves? When you look at the teams coming up and the teams going down, Leeds should be safe a lot earlier next season. I would absolutely love us to kick on and have the kind of season Sunderland have had.

Molly Whitmore is a regular contributor on BBC Radio Leeds - find all their audio here

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Leeds' Belgian centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw, 27, is a target for Cologne. (Bild - in German), external

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